fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON TUBA

A Pentatonic Major

Five notes of the major scale that work universally — 1 2 3 5 6. The default scale of folk traditions worldwide.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
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Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 4 title A Pentatonic Major
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 4 5 title A Pentatonic Major
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: synthesised in-browser via Tone.js (MIT)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
A1234partial 2
Harmonic seriesTube of the tonic fingering — A sounds partial 2
partial 1 — A0 (+0¢)1partial 2 — A1 (+0¢)2partial 3 — E2 (+2¢)3partial 4 — A2 (+0¢)4partial 5 — C♯3 (-14¢)5partial 6 — E3 (+2¢)6partial 7 — G3 (-31¢)7-31¢partial 8 — A3 (+0¢)8partial 9 — B3 (+4¢)9partial 10 — C♯4 (-14¢)10partial 11 — D♯4 (-49¢)11-49¢partial 12 — E4 (+2¢)12
Related scales
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
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Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the A Pentatonic Major scale?

The A Pentatonic Major scale uses the notes A, B, C♯, E, F♯ (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Pentatonic Major scale formula?

The Pentatonic Major scale follows the interval pattern W W W+H W W+H, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on A to get the A Pentatonic Major scale.

What chords work over A Pentatonic Major?

Major pentatonic works over major triads, maj7, and the I / IV / V of any major-key blues. Universal.

How do I finger A Pentatonic Major on Tuba?

On brass, scales train embouchure + valve / slide coordination across the partials. Slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation tendencies (e.g., the 5th partial sharp on trumpet).

When would I use the Pentatonic Major scale?

Five notes of the major scale that work universally — 1 2 3 5 6. The default scale of folk traditions worldwide.